Updated preliminary results for Juneau’s municipal election show residents continue to support implementing a new seasonal sales tax in Juneau next year but are split on two other tax-related propositions.
The results show a similar trajectory compared to the first round results shared earlier this week.
According to updated results shared by the city Friday night, yes votes on Proposition C — a 1% seasonal sales tax — continues to lead by more than 1,300 votes.
Proponents say the 1% tax bump would take advantage of 1.7 million cruise passengers that come to town each summer and boost funding for the city’s recreational facilities and programs. Opponents say the tax is unnecessary and burdensome to residents.
Proposition A continues to pass, but Proposition B is failing.
Proposition A seeks to renew a 3% temporary tax in Juneau, which has been in place since 1983. Results show that nearly 80% of voters support it. Yes votes are leading by more than 5,600 votes.
Proposition B seeks to reverse a tax cut passed last election that lowered the cap on the local property tax rate, also known as the mill rate. Votes against the proposition narrowly lead by about 530 votes.
Incumbent Assembly member Paul Kelly continues to lead in his race for reelection to his areawide seat with more than 60% of the vote. He outpaces his closest opponent, Brad Sapp, by more than 2,500 votes. Candidate James McCants received just 503 votes total so far.
District 1 candidate Mila Cosgrove is running unopposed for her seat on the Assembly. She has just over 6,700 votes. The seat also has about 479 write-in votes.
District 2 Assembly candidate Joyce Nivens is emerging as the top candidate for that open seat on the Assembly. She leads the runner-up candidate, Malachi Thorington, by just over 580 votes, followed by Karla Hart and David Morris.
Incumbent school board members Britteny Cioni-Haywood and David Noon are leading in the race for the two open seats on the Juneau School Board. Candidate Christine Johnson continues to trail behind by nearly 1,800 votes.
Voter turnout as of Tuesday’s results was just under 35%. The results shared Friday night are still subject to change, but likely not substantially. According to the city clerk’s office, the count released Friday night represents about 95% of the total ballot count. The city will share more preliminary results in the coming weeks.
Results will be officially certified on Oct. 20.
